Child&#39;s Portable Collapsible Step Stool

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention provides a compact; collapsible or folding, one tier, step stool for children that easily transforms into a smaller unit which is lightweight and portable. It has the advantages of being child friendly, lightweight, cleanable and becomes compact in the closed position for storage. In that state it could easily be transported by a child or carried in an adult&#39;s carrying bag, or a child could carry it in hand or in their bag/backpack. A child could also use it as a seat or table.

This application claims priority to an earlier filed Provisional Patent Application No. 61/146,810 Filed: Jan. 23, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At a very young age, it is difficult for most children to reach the toilet and sink in public places. Existing step stools are too large and heavy for use by a small child or for a parent to store it in a carrying bag. Existing products are also difficult for children to operate and can pose a safety hazard. There is not an existing step stool that is compact and lightweight that can be easily transported by a child or carried in an adult's carrying bag for travel away from home. It is desirable to have a step stool for a child that overcomes these disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention in an expanded position.

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of the underside of the invention in an expanded position.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the invention in an expanded position showing the direction of movement to collapse the step stool.

FIG. 2 a is a side end elevation of the invention in an expanded position.

FIG. 3 is front elevation of the step stool in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the step stool in a closed position.

FIG. 5: is a top view of the invention in an expanded position.

FIG. 6: is a view of the underside of the invention in an expanded position.

FIG. 7: is a perspective view of the invention in the closed position.

FIG. 7 a: is another perspective view of the invention in the closed position

wherein

-   10: is the invention -   1 and 2: is a matched pair of seating sections -   3 and 4: is a matched pair of legs for the step stool -   5 and 6: is a matched pair of connectors each joining a seating     section to a leg. -   7: is a handle -   8: is a slip-resistant foot -   9: is a central core with end caps for top platform -   10: is a slip-resistant surface on the top platform

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a child's portable collapsible step stool for use at home and traveling.

The invention provides a collapsible step stool 10, which transforms into a compact, portable unit that can be easily transported by a child or carried in an adult's carrying bag. The legs 3,4 and the top 1,2 unfold to create a sturdy step stool 10 that is lightweight and cleanable.

The step stool is designed to accommodate the standards required to support a small child in the open position. It may have a horizontal top platform 1,2 of any useful shape, regular or irregular, wherein the horizontal surface defines a step. In all of the embodiments of the invention, the top platform, in conjunction with the supporting legs 3,4 and the connectors 5,6 folds into a smaller compact unit FIGS. 3,4 and FIGS. 7,7 a. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the top portion 1,2 may be constructed by some means of fastening together preferably two sections but there is no limit to the possible number, preferably four or fewer. Fasteners may include any connector known including but not limited to metal hinges, plastic hinges, pivots, screws and bolts of the same material that allows the top to fold several ways. The top may comprise any material including but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, rubber or fabric.

The legs 3,4 are supports configured together with the connectors 5,6 to support the top platform 1,2 when in the open position and, in conjunction with the top, fold into a smaller compact unit FIGS. 3,4. There are preferably two legs but there is no limit to the possible number of legs, preferably four or fewer. The legs 3,4 of the device may comprise any material known including but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, rubber or fabric. The legs 3,4 preferably have a length that allows a child to use public facilities including but not limited to lavatories and toilets. This height is preferably between 3½″ and 6½″ but the possible height is limited only by convenience or the requirements of the child.

The step stool top of FIGS. 1 and 2 is one plane, comprised of two parts which is folded in half. The two halves meet flush to form a carrying handle 7 formed from sections at the ends of the top sections 1,2.

The shape of the legs can include but is not limited to square, oval, circle or rectangle. The legs can be solid material or may be constructed by some means of fastening together several sections of the same material that allows the legs to be concealed by folding up flush into the underside of the step stool top.

The device also can include a soft carrying case for the step stool in the closed position but could also include other methods for carrying such as a hard carrying case, strap or attaching to a bag. The carrying component may comprise any suitable material known including but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, rubber or fabric. This component preferably would include a storage area on the underside of platform for wipes or other convenience items.

The product may be manufactured out of molded plastic, metal or wood pieces for the step stool top and legs. Connector or pivot pieces may be molded out of plastic or sourced metal or plastic parts. The separate parts would then be assembled for the final product.

To use the step stool, a person would remove the invention 10 from the carrying case. Next, they would unfold it and make sure it is secure. Then, it would be placed on the ground or floor, making sure it is a flat and horizontal surface, with the platform 1, or 1 together with, on top and the legs supporting it from underneath. A child could then step on top 1 or 1 and 2 to perform the desired activity. 

1. A portable, collapsible, compact and lightweight step stool for a child comprising: a) A flat top platform of matched sections with a slip-resistant material on top and sides walls that extend downward to create a cavity underneath whereas the structural support is integral to the top platform as to accommodate the standards for a small child. integral means made out of the same material and continuous without the need of attachment by other means or materials b) A concealed cylindrical central core enclosed by end caps which connect the matched seating sections and contains the mechanism that controls the folding capabilities of the top platform. c) A matched pair of movable legs with slip-resistant feet attached to the underside of the matched sections whereas folded in the closed position are hidden within the cavity created by the side walls of the top platform and whereas in the open position are angled outward to support the top platform and as appropriate to support the weight of a small child. d) An integral handle on each seating section whereas in the closed position align to accommodate handling and transport by a small child.
 2. A portable, collapsible step stool according to claim 1 whereas the moveable legs with slip-resistant feet are fastened to the underside of the top platform within the integral structure of said top platform allowing for the folding connectors to be hidden as appropriate for a small child. 